GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

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- Gangneung Danoje Festival, designated as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, set to kick off on May 27 -

 ​ Gangneung City will host the Gangneung Danoje Festival 2025 for eight days from May 27 to June 3 at Gangneung Danojang. Listed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, Gangneung Danoje Festival is one of Korea’s renowned traditional cultural celebrations with a history spanning over a millennium.

 The festival officially begins with the Ritual Rice Offering Ceremony at Gangneung City Hall, followed by the Ritual  Liquor Brewing Ceremony at the Chilsadang Hall within the Gangneung Daedohobu Government Office site. The ritual liquor made from rice collected through community contributions is offered to the gods and symbolizes the spirit of sincerity and devotion of the Gangneung Danoje Festival.

 Ahead of the main events, Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangje will take place at Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangsa Shrine on May 12. On May 29, the festival will host the Yeongsinje Ritual and Procession, a sacred ceremony honoring the State Preceptor God (Guksa Seonghwangsin) and the State Preceptor Goddess (Guksa Yeoseonghwangsin).

 During the main event period (May 27 to June 3), visitors can enjoy over 70 diverse programs, including Gwanno Mask Theater (a traditional silent mask play with expressive gestures), Dano Gut (around 20 types of traditional shamanistic rituals), Sintongdae-gil Road Play (a large-scale street parade involving residents of 21 towns and villages along with the Yeongsinje Procession), and Dano Nanjang (a large marketplace that combines a traditional market and a cultural marketplace).

 The eight-day festival will conclude on June 3 with the Songsinje and Soje rituals. Gangneung City official said, “We are organizing the festival that all generations can enjoy and pass on the tradition and spirit of Gangneung Danoje Festival, which has been celebrated for a thousand years, while adding a modern touch. […] As this year marks the 20th anniversary of its designation as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, we hope that people from all over the globe will join us at the Gangneung Danoje Festival, which has been evolving and growing along with the world.” ​